The point of nominating Romney was to block a Conservative from the Nomination.
Once that Mission was Accomplished they went back home.
You make a terrific observation. I was supporting Newt Romney. The Mormons appeared in mass to our legislative caucus and voted their slate of delegates. For the first time in my 14 years working for the Republican Party I failed to go to the state convention as a delegate. All of the delegates were Romney delegates. I was not a happy camper afterwards.
At the last caucus, they pulled the same stunt and got all Cruz delegates to go to the state convention. Cruz had the Canadian issue and was a guaranteed loose for the presidency. I wonder if there is a pattern here?